News Article

Four Gonzaga University alumni were honored recently for their outstanding contributions to the common good at Gonzaga’s annual Distinguished Alumni Merit Award (DAMA) ceremony. Since 1977, the GU Alumni Association has presented DAMA to more than 150 alumni who exemplify Gonzaga’s ideals through their visible commitment to serving others.

This year’s recipients included William Geary (’86), Lita T. Barnett-Luvera, J.D. (’77), John W. Staeheli, M.D. (’76) and Michael A. Tucci (’61). Recipients are selected based on faculty and staff nominations submitted to the Alumni Association. They were honored by Gonzaga President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. at an evening social, dinner and program held on Gonzaga’s campus last month.

Geary is president of Boeing Canada Operations, Ltd., and has been employed with the company for the past 22 years. An active participant in the Gonzaga Alumni Mentor Program (GAMP) for many years, Geary helps GU students make professional connections with Boeing.

Barnett-Luvera, a GU Law School alumna and current GU Regent, is one of the founding partners of the Seattle-based law firm Luvera, Barnett, Brindley, Beninger & Cunningham. She and husband Paul (’59) handle high-profile civil damages cases for seriously injured victims. Barnett-Luvera volunteers for numerous organizations, including the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington.

Staeheli is an orthopaedic surgeon for Northwest Orthopaedic Associates in Richland, Wash. In addition to serving as a volunteer team doctor for the Pasco High School Bulldogs, he has provided free medical services the past three decades to rural residents of the Dominican Republic and Santiago, Chile.

Tucci, a past Gonzaga Regent, is chairman of Tucci & Sons, Inc., a family run construction and development company based in Tacoma, Wash. He and his company annually sponsor the Pierce County Hunger Walk in Tacoma, Wash., among other charities.
For more information about the event or any of the honorees, please contact Bob Finn, director of alumni relations, at (509) 313-6100 or via e-mail.